TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Party Lets Seniors 'Enjoy The Season'

ADVERTISEMENT

By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2007

RIVERVIEW - Gliding from one table to the next, exchanging hugs and witty banter with the diners while discreetly retrieving empty dishes and directing the wait staff to fill empty cups, Barbara Jones could easily be the social director of a fine hotel or cruise ship.

The fact that she's hosting a sit-down dinner for 350 people is enough to earn her that title.

However, Jones is a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and the pole barn at Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview is hardly the Ritz.

Besides, when Jones is on duty, she carries a gun, a badge and the title of community service officer.

Jones' social graces and love of entertaining are simply a fringe benefit the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office profits from each holiday season when Jones and her fellow community service officers from southeast Hillsborough's nine substations host a holiday party for the area's senior citizens.

The dinners have been held at various locations over the years, including the Riverview Recreation Center, the Showmen's Club in Gibsonton and Spoto High School in Riverview. This year it was held Dec. 14 at the pole barn on Bloomingdale Avenue.

"We come into contact with a lot of seniors in our work," said Jones, who works out of the Riverview substation. "Some are elderly and frail and don't get out of their homes much. Others don't have much money. We host a holiday party with entertainment and gifts. They have a chance to get together, socialize, enjoy the season. For some, it's their only celebration."

Throughout the year, Jones solicits donations from local businesses to fund the event.

"We're proud to be a part of this community, and we love doing this," said Mike Kelly, food manager of the SuperTarget on Bloomingdale Avenue, who joined the officers on the serving line, filling plates with turkey, roast beef and fixings. "When Barb called, we just got on the phone and got whatever she needed, no questions asked."

Jones doesn't have to twist arms when it comes to finding help putting it on, either.

"All of the community service officers and deputies help out," said community service officer Hal Kee from the Wimauma substation. "This time of year, so much of the focus is on kids. People tend to forget about the elderly. Our supervisors are great about giving us the time to do this. I just don't know how Barbara can get the businesses to donate everything. She's amazing. The businesses love her."

Bill and Christine Egan of Palm River have been attending the holiday dinner for five years.

"It's just a nice time," Christine Egan said. "The food's good. There's entertainment, and we see old friends."

"It's a beautiful party," said Edward Fulvi, who came with a group from Rice Creek in Riverview. "We really appreciate everything the sheriff's office does for us."

"It's a chance to have a good time, be with friends and enjoy the beautiful day God has given us," said Johnnie Mae Garner, who came with a group of seniors from the Progress Village Recreation Center. "It's a time to count our blessings."

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524 or dlwhite@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT